ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2959, 23 December 1916, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA SEASON. The Gonzales Grand Opera Company gave a third performance of "l'aust" last evening before ji very appreciative uudience.. The performance was again a thoroughly interesting one,, admirably produced, sincerely, noted, and well sung. Signorina Visoni inado an effective Marguerite, and Signor Bolboni was a very successful Faust. Mephistopheles was excellently played by Signor Ooiralli, his sonorous bass voice being heard to iino advantage.

The company will give a matinee performance of "Cuvolleria and Ragliaccrj this aftornoon, and will play "Carmen" this evening, when the season will close. J. C. WILLIAMSON'S MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON. Those who have read tho advertisements, of-J. C. Williamson, Ltd., during the past week will doubtless have como to the conclusion thut never previously has this firm sent a stronger combination of musical comedy talent than the company to present "So Long, Lotty," "To-night's the Night," "High Jinks," and "lho 'Girl in the Train" during the coming soason, which begins at tho Grand Opera House on Tuesday (Boxing Night). ' These four musioal plays are paid to bo paoked with all'tho qualities that mako a special appeal to lovers or a good evening's entertainment, including clever and unique dance creations, superb dresses, catchy ad tuneful music, dolightful choruses, quaint and original ballets, and magnificent sconery and electrical effects. Amongst the company nro a number who have at various times during their oarefir "starred" in musical plays in England, America, and Australia. Among those to appear are C. _H. Workman, Field Fisher, Alfred Frith, Fred. Mnguire, William Greene, Chris. Wren, Clrtudo Bantock, Edgar Warwick, Ronald M'Lood, Dorothy Brunton, Maude Pane, Marie Eaton, Ethel Morrison, Ceoil Bradley, Rene Connelly, Madge Elliott, Violet Hooper, Irene Jones, Rita Nugent/ and Connie Ediss (principal comedienne, from tho " London Gaiety). "So Long, Let#," will be staged for four nights only. Next Saturday Tonight's the Night" will be presentee]. The' box plans will be on at tho Bristol till noon to-day, after which Boats can bo reserved at the Grand Opera House, also Christmas and Boxing Day, from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.

~ OSSIPOFF CONCERTS. Mr. Eugene Ossipoff and his party gave their second concert at the Concert Chamber last evening. The Russian baritone, who has a rich leaven of- that fiery Slavonic temperament to help him, sang a very fine aria from Glinka's opera, "Ruslan," into the interpretation, of which he threw a good deal of physical' energy. He also sang "Princo Ivan's Song" (Frances Allitsen), "The Calf of Gold," from "Faust," and Slater's attractive setting of the old glee, "From Oberon in Fairyland." With Ifiss Ethnoe Clegg ho 6arig the duets "I Leave and Lovo" (Campana) and "I Pescatori" (Manzocohi). Miss Clegg, who sings-pleasingly, sang, from Conisby Clarke's "Desert Love Songs,"- two ohnrmitig numbers entitled "The Burning Hours" and "My Heart's Desire," and the recitative and aria' from "Nadejda" (Thomas). Miss Bessio Rogers, who recites brightly, was favourably • re-' ceived for her delivery of tho verses "The New Zealand Soldiers' Mail," "In Momoriam," and "The Toast" (Sotiter), and lafer was heard in the musical monologues "Bubbles" and tho unkillable "Spotty.". Miss Sylvia Roberts played an opening ovorturo and the accompaniments. The final concert- of the season will be given this evening.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A new bill ia to be presented at the above theatre ou Monday ' (Christmas) night.- An old favourite in the person ol jjir. .Leonard JNelson will reappear, niter an absence ot eigliteen montns, and will submit an ontirely new budget oi songs and monologues. Another refliipearance will be made by tlie charming nttlc artist, Miss' Dora Doorman; whose glorious soprano -.voice and exquisite persou.aiity. la', already _welb "Known; in \v ellingitou. The signal successes of,'this lady's last season nere should assul'e herein ovatiou on Monday night., Another imjiortant attraction is that of Dura and judge, an American importation' * presenting an act entitlod "In Bits of Vaudeville." The Do Bakers is a. statuaryposing "turn" which introduces a lauy who is said to possess one of, the most correot figures in the world. Baroen and ltosetti, the Belgian 'cellist and his vocalist partner, aro also luciudod in the new bill, which will be completed by the Two Devons (singers and dancers), Three Ruddles (specialties), Flemmings (the young Hercules), Harry Littlo (the popular buritone) and Scott jSibson (a Scotch entertainer). A matinee is announced for Boxing Day. Also the' usual Wednesday and baturday afternoon shows will be , given. '10-night (Christmas live) llio show will commence at 7.30 sharp. ICING'S THEATRE. At 2.30 to-day, Pauline Frederick will iiiiiKu uor appearance as "Zaza," the music-hall artist o£ wonderful character who loves, loses, and forgives ■ m a ' manner tuat win pleaso everyone. Tho , play is said to be magnificent and the acting superb. The plut is an adaption of JJauiel Fiohmau's emotional drama, reproduced in five reels. Zaza, so Uio story goes, has brought the youth ana fashion ot Paris to her: l'eet, out she is pruoi against the wiles ot Cupid lor a long time. Then she meets Beruhard Duirane, and lna passionate vioomg finds a response. Her love is a dame, and consumes her- wliole being. Then she discovers that her lover is already married. She becomes a tigress in her lust for revonge, iier hatred of her deceiver is intense, and she turns furiously upon some fitting object for her vengeance. His wife and child! But here comes the great climax which - is the secret of Zaza's popularity throughout the world. In the most dramatic moment Df tho play the majesty of her soul reveals itself, and in a magnificeut denouement she presents a lueiuorablo picture of tho woman who can love, lose, and forgive. Tho supporting N itcms include an amusing Vitagraph comedy, "When it Rains it Pours," a. charming Japanese scenic study, tho Pathe Gazette, and the Trentham Christmas Dinner picture, which is creating a lot of interest, ',I'he Christmas day programme has for its star attraction tlio first released in New Zealand of "Spartacus";a picture said to bo oven greater than "Quo Vadis" and "Fairyland," a picturo for tho youngsters as well. "THE WOLF WOMAN" AT EVERYBODY'S. Tho principal attraction on'the new programmo commencing at noon to-day at' Everybody's is a TriaSgle drama, "The-Wolf Woman," featuring Louiso Glaum, the great exponent of vampire parts.' The, story is' constructed around a airen whoso charms and wiles leaS men to destruction. Miss Glaum appears as Leliti Aradelle, an adventuress, ivnoso velvet claws have fastened themselves upon more than one man to his ruination. There aro three men who worship at her shrine. One is a pitiful wreck when the story begins, another is sought by her as a new victim, and the third, seeking to rescue his brother from her charms, is himself clainicd by the destroying flame. Then there is .the good woman who knows how to fight evil with good and win her battle. The end is very dramatic and sensational. ing items include an amusing V itagraph comody, "Jane's Bashful Hero." Everybody's young lady ushers will irom today wear special and distinctive uniforms. "HOW HEROES ARE MADE." A speoial attraction is announced for presentation at Everybody's on Christmas Day, when a special feature entitled "How Heroes aro Made," a Napoleomo story, will be shown. It.is described as a magnificent and .nspiring production, with realistic battle scenes, in wnich hundreds o£ cavalry and foot soldiors appear with startling effect. Patrons aro reminded that tho programme will commence at 2.30 on Christmas afternoon. EMPRESS THEATRE. The leading picturo of the new programme to be screened at the Empress to-day is "The Gentleman from Indiana," a film representation of tho popular novel by Booth Tarkington. In this splendid story the leading role is iu the

capablo hands of Dustin Farnuiu (brother of William ITanium), who essays the part of John Karkless. After leaving the university, where he has been ono of tlie greatest football stars, Harkless plunges into tho thick of Indiana polities, through purchasing the Platvlle "Herald." Ho uproots a political system, breaks up tho notorious gang of Whitocaps, am* falls in lovo with the sweetest girl in tho town. The picture is a strong and interesting one throughout. A comedy, "In the lling," and tho Topical Gazette complete a well-chosen programme. Open Monday next (Christmas Day) a specially attractive programme, including "The Gentleman from Indiana," will be shown, the first screening commencing punctually at 2.30 p.m. QUEEN'S THEATRE. To-day's change of programme at the Queen's Theatre will be headed by a picture which the management lias kept specially in reservo for the holiday season, with , a view to. introducing country visitors to a, .comfortably-appointed establishment that has already won tho wholehearted approval of townsfolk. J,hc Pretty Sister of Jose" is the picture referred to. It is a dramatisation of the capital story written' by Mrs.- Frances Hodgson-Burnett, of "Littlo :Lonl i'auntleroy" fame, and is said to l>e quite one .of the best of the many good novel dramatisations. The story is ono of quick action, full of emotional situations, and ripe with the rich colouring of • sum J Spain, where the plot i 6 '-aid. It wil. reintroduce that popular /pieturo favourite, Marguerite Clark. Speaking of her performance of the heroine in the title role, tho "Picture Magazine" says: "As the dark-eyed maul of a thousand moods and whims, Marguerite Clark 19 absolutely superb." A special holiday programme is associated with this big picture, and naturally the music will remain a featuro of the production and be specialised'to suit the performance. Seats may be booked at the theatre itself, 01 engaged by telephona at any hour. . SELINSKY-AMADIO CONCERT. On New Year's Day music-lovers are promised an opportunity of hearing an exceptional musical event—the SelinskyAniadio Concert Company —who gi ve their initial concert in fahe large Town Hall on Monday week. Mons. belinsky (violinist) has recently arrived' from Canada and United States of America, where he met with, remarkable success, and more recontly has completed a series of recitals in Sydney and Melbourne, where his playing is said to have created a sensation with both Press and public. Mons. Selinsky is' a pupil of the great Professor Auer, and has also tho train* nig' of Miecha Elrnan to his credit. Mr. John Amadio (flautist) is. a native .01 New Zealand. Having commenced his career in Wellington, Mr. Amadio quickly played his way into the hearts of. hi£ • audiences in Australia, where he alterwards took up his abode. He now enjoys the distinction of being . ranked amongst tho leading flautists. Miss Elsy Treweek (soprano) will be well and favourably remembered by the Wellington musical public as having appeared here with tho Royal Choral Society,, where she essayed the paTt of Marguerite ie "Faust" with conspicuous . Aliss Jessie Masson i 6 one of Australia s distinguished pianists. The box plan will open at the Bristol on Thursday next. CLEMENT MAY ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT. A special Christmas programme hoi been arranged, under the direction 01 Mr. Clement May, for Christmas nigh' at the Grand Opera House. Clue: 1 nmoDfrst the ■attractions,/wnt be ins ; Awakening of Scrooge," from Charles ' Dickens's immortal story, .A Cliristmaf Carol." This delightful story of the re formation of Scrooge is one of the most powerful and human tales yet written This scene ■will be presented with special features, i.e., carol singing, organ anc chimes effects. Mr. May will be sirp ported by several well-known artists, 111 eluding Mr. Hamilton Hodges (baTitcme). ivl]o will sing "N.azoreth' ; Mips Eileei Driscoll (mezzo-soprano), \ and jjl-ann Thomas (pianist). Speaking of the Christ mas programme at tho Theatre .Royal, Melbourne, last year, iihe _ Herald, Melbourns, says:, 'Dickens s famous Christmas, carol, interpreted by --Aiy May/ was a masterpiece ; of work. '